James W. McMahon, Director of the New York State Office of Homeland Security (OHS), today unveiled New York State’s Citizen Guide to Preparedness page, “Aware, Prepare,” on the worldwide web. The site, a collaborative effort lead by OHS and hosted on its website, is designed to be a one-stop destination on preparedness information offered by State agencies.

"Being prepared is everyone’s job,” Director McMahon said. “While no state in this great Nation has done more than New York to protect its citizens, every community’s level of preparedness begins with its individual members.

“As the “Aware, Prepare” webpage states, being prepared is as easy as one, two, three,” the Director said. “We encourage New Yorkers – at home, at work and in school – to bookmark this page (www.security.state.ny.us/preparedness/) and use the information found there to develop an emergency plan, stock up on emergency supplies, and be aware of events that may have impact on their daily lives.”

The new website contains a wealth of safety and preparedness information found on the State agency webpages of the Office of Homeland Security, the State Emergency Management Office (SEMO), the Department of Health, the Division of State Police, the Department of State’s Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC), and the Department of Insurance.

“Working with SEMO and other State agencies on Governor Pataki’s preparedness team, we have developed a one-stop shopping type of page containing vital public health and safety and preparedness information,” said Director McMahon, who is also Chairman of the State Disaster Preparedness Commission. “This webpage will help us to intensify our outreach efforts to give New Yorkers critical preparedness information using 21st Century technology.”

Visitors to the site will be able to view and download vital safety information and publications for natural disasters, terrorism-related events, and critical health safety information in addition to crime prevention publications from the State Police and fire safety pamphlets developed by OFPC.

The site also kicks off the State Office of Homeland Security’s “Pro-Kids” campaign, which is aimed at helping families understand what it takes to be adequately prepared for any type of emergency or disaster. It also utilizes links to the Department of Homeland Security’s Ready webpage and offers additional safety information for children through its “Ready Kids” site.

Businesses both large and small will find critical information on developing continuity of operations plans, safety information for employees and other business-safety information.

SEMO Director John R. Gibb said, “From the experience we’ve gleaned in the dozens of emergencies or disasters we’ve responded to across the State, we know it pays to be prepared. Individuals, families and businesses need to take the time to be prepared for any event. This webpage will go a long way in helping them to reach that goal.”

State Health Commissioner Antonia C. Novello, M.D., M.P.H., Dr. P.H., said, “In these uncertain times where we must all work together for our common safety, we are pleased to follow Governor Pataki's leadership and provide this common sense information in a comprehensive fashion for all our citizens.”

New York State Police Superintendent Wayne E. Bennett said, “Individual, family, and business preparedness and awareness are critical components of any crime prevention and homeland security plan. The New York State Office Of Homeland Security has collected and placed this important and relevant information in one easily accessible location, presenting some of the least costly and most effective ways to prevent crime and reduce fear.”

“The State Office of Fire Prevention and Control (OFPC) is on the front line of preventing fires and responding to fires, hazardous materials spills, floods and other natural disasters,” said Secretary of State Christopher L. Jacobs, whose office oversees OFPC. “Being a part of the new ‘Aware, Prepare’ web site will help OFPC get its lifesaving messages out to an even wider public across New York State.”

State Insurance Superintendent Howard Mills said, "This new web site is in keeping with Governor Pataki's commitment to improving governmental services through the use of state-of-the art technology. The Insurance Department's disaster preparedness and response bureau has been up and running for years but this is another innovative way for New York's consumers and insurers to gather the essential information they would need in case of an emergency."